Reserve work...

[Maneframe150]

Okay.

A little background first:

I am a 24 year old computer programmer working the typical 9 to 5 sitting behind this damn desk all day long. I'm tired, really tired of this boring repetitious job. I'm going back to school at night to further my education and hope to one day be full-time law enforcement. I am trying to get on with Probation/Parole but since Hurricane Katrina passed all of these positions are frozen for the rest of the year. Before the hurricane I had 2 interviews with Probation/Parole and got a call back 1 week before the hurricane passed. No worries though, I can wait.

Anyhoo, in the meantime I've applied at a couple different local agencies for reserve unit positions. I figure that while waiting for a full-time law enforcement position to open up, at least I could get a taste of it. Not to mention, I think it would look pretty good on a resume.

I put in applications about 3 months ago. I had not heard anything from them so about a month ago I decided to call. The head of the reserve unit seemed glad that I had called and said he would take note that I'm still interested. He said that sometimes people put in for a reserve spot and then change their minds or move, etc. The conversation went well, and I figured I would get a call pretty soon.

Well, it's been a month and still nothing. I live on the outskirts of Baton Rouge and our population has basically doubled out here in the past month. I would have thought that with the increase in population the agency would definately need more officers on the road and would begin beefing up their full-time force as well as reserves. But, still no call.

I'm getting a little anxious. Do you guys think I should call again? (I really don't want to seem too overbearing) Do these things usually take lots of time like this? Am I reading too much into the fact that I haven't received a call?

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

[Jay7376]

One has to be very patient when trying to get in to the LEO field. The hiring process isn't like working at a gas station. There are tests and interviews and more tests and doctor visits and more tests.

If the population of you area has nearly doubled as you say, I would imagine that the department is busy dealing with the problems which generally accompany overcrowding. They probably do not have the time to start the hiring process yet.

Also, since the population increase is due to the large number of evacuees, most likely it is only a temporary situation. The department will probably not hire more, when in a number of months, the population would decrease.

Then again, I am not from the area, so I could be entirely wrong. :D

[Kimble]

One has to be very patient when trying to get in to the LEO field. The hiring process isn't like working at a gas station.

That is the understatement of the millenium! If you really enjoy waiting- and waiting- apply for a LE job with the federal government :D

On a serious note, try to be patient (though it is easier said than done), and make yourself available as best you can when the hiring agency needs you.